SA/NT 2025 Conference & Awards of Excellence RECAP

Thanks to our 2025 partners for their support

The Parks and Leisure Australia SA/NT Region Conference returned once again, taking place in the vibrant heart of Adelaide at the U City Function Centre.

It was a day to remember, with a strong turnout of attendees gathering for a dynamic program filled with networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and a showcase of the very best our industry has to offer. As the only sector conference created by local government for local government and its supporters, the event truly celebrated the PEOPLE behind the PLACES.

The conference kicked off with an official opening from The Hon. Nat Cook MP and Welcome to Country by Cliffy Wilson from Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services. An inspiring keynote address from Stephen Yarwood came next, setting the tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful industry panel with Campbelltown City Council CEO Paul Di Iulio and Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate at Mitcham Council, Amy Pokoney Cramey. Delegates then delved into a wide-ranging program across two engaging streams, before the day concluded on a high note with a powerful closing keynote from Jed Altschwager.

And of course, a highlight of the day was our annual Awards of Excellence, where we proudly recognised the exceptional achievements and contributions across the PLA SA/NT community.

OPENING KEYNOTE – STEPHEN YARWOOD

Stephen Yarwood is a renowned Futurist, highly respected Urbanist and the Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide. Serving as a catalyst for change for both corporate and community organisations, his passion extends beyond envisioning the future; he educates, motivates and empowers people to shape it. With a strong skill set in cross-disciplinary strategic foresight, Stephen is deeply fascinated by the dynamic interplay between people, places, technology, and change.

This presentation explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of open spaces, community assets, and citizen interactions. Highlighting the shift toward AI-driven service delivery, intelligent infrastructure, and personalized citizen engagement, it emphasized the urgent need for local governments to adapt strategically, ethically, and proactively to remain relevant and resilient.

INDUSTRY PANEL

Paul Di lulio, CEO Campbelltown City Council

Paul Di Iulio has extensive experience in executive management and leadership roles, gained through a career in local government. With a background in civil engineering, he has worked with the Campbelltown City Council for 30 years, Chief Executive Officer for the past 13 years. He is also the President of the Norwood Football Club, a Director of the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority, Board member at SYC Limited and previous President of IPWEA among other roles.

This forward-focused panel explored the transformative role of AI in shaping future-ready communities, unpacking how generative AI is redefining citizen engagement, asset management, and public sector leadership. Panelists considered how AI can empower citizens to co-design services, while also grappling with the ethical implications of AI influencing behavior in public spaces.

From predictive maintenance of parks and infrastructure to envisioning smart upgrades for today’s “dumb” assets, the session examined the strategic, operational, and workforce shifts local governments must navigate. Leaders also debated the adequacy of existing policy frameworks and strategic plans in an AI-enabled future.

Finally, the conversation turned to evolving citizen expectations—should AI help measure hard-to-quantify outcomes like mental health and placemaking success? This dynamic discussion challenged participants to rethink their approach to governance, service delivery, and the role of technology in fostering more responsive, inclusive public spaces.

Amy Pokoney Cramey, Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate, Mitcham Council

Amy has worked in Local Government for the last decade including roles as Volunteer Coordinator at Charles Sturt, Manager Wellbeing and City Lifestyle at City of Adelaide and General Manager Community Development at Salisbury. Amy is currently the Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate at City of Mitcham and has served on a number of Boards including Siblings Australia and Community Centres SA.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

We hosted a full day of content, including guest keynote speakers, 2 concurrent presentation streams, and more than 6 hours of content!

We were thrilled to be teaming up with our program partners who presented throughout the conference:

CLOSING KEYNOTE – JED ALTSCHWAGER

A passionate surfer from a young age, Jed Altschwager has always valued his connection with the water, and it was one that would only grow deeper following a traumatic workplace accident which forced the amputation of his left leg below the knee in 2015. Sport played a central role in Jed’s journey back to full physical and mental wellbeing, and he fell in love with Para-rowing in the process. He won a Silver medal on his international debut for Australia in the Men’s PR3 Pair at the 2018 World Rowing Championships, and defended his title a year later.

2025 TRADE EXHIBITORS

We were thrilled to have numerous trade exhibitors join us at the conference this year where delegates could find all the information needed on the latest and greatest innovations from our industry suppliers.

A big thank you goes out to all the exhibitors for choosing to be a part of this great event. Check out all the amazing exhibitors below, including links to their websites!

2025 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

The day concluded with the celebration of the 2025 PLA SA/NT Awards of Excellence, honouring the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts across our industry and proudly supported by GLG Green Life Group. Guests enjoyed the festivities over canapes and refreshments creating the perfect atmosphere to recognise this year’s standout contributions. A heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2025 award recipients, who will now go on to represent our region at the National Awards of Excellence in Hobart this November.

Community Based Initiative of the Year Award.
COMMENDATION – Reconciliation River Walk – Campbelltown City Council and City of Tea Tree Gully
WINNER The Accessible Outdoors Program – SA Water
Best Use of Technology Award
WINNER – SACA Region Rezoning – Kinetica and South Australian Cricket Association
Playspace Award (>$500K)
WINNER – Playford Road Reserve – Campbelltown City Council
Community Facility of the Year Award
COMMENDATION – Mile End Athletics Stadium – SPORTENG
Park of the Year Award
WINNER – Playford Road Reserve – Campbelltown City Council